Auba Consult Ltd, in collaboration with the University for Development Studies and the Food and Drug Authority, has organized a two-day Open Day event at the UDS Nyankpala Campus aimed at strengthening Ghana’s food manufacturing sector and supporting the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The event, held on 3rd and 4th March 2026, was under the theme “Safe Food, Smart Business: Innovating Quality from Lab to Market.” It brought together food science students, SME operators, industry professionals, regulators, and development partners to deliberate on critical challenges facing Ghana’s food industry.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Auba Consult Ltd, Mr. Jacob Ayin, underscored the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to address the persistent gaps in food safety compliance, technical expertise, and innovation transfer.
He noted that although Ghana’s food manufacturing sector continues to grow, many local SMEs struggle to meet internationally recognized food safety and quality standards. According to him, this challenge is largely driven by limited access to technical expertise and the high cost of professional consultancy services, which often discourages businesses from investing in essential quality systems.
Mr. Ayin further highlighted that the inability of SMEs to meet global standards significantly limits their export potential and access to premium markets, ultimately affecting their growth and contribution to national development. He also pointed to the lack of structured mentorship opportunities and the disconnect between academia and industry as key barriers hindering progress in the sector.
“Many graduates enter the workforce with strong theoretical knowledge but limited exposure to real-world industrial challenges. This creates a skills gap that affects productivity and innovation within the food industry,” he stated.
As part of efforts to address these challenges, Auba Consult Ltd used the platform to introduce the Food Industry Resilience and Growth (FIRG) Initiative, a proposed intervention designed to provide fully sponsored technical support and capacity-building opportunities for SMEs.
The initiative will focus on training businesses in internationally recognized Food Safety Management Systems such as HACCP, FSSC 22000, and ISO 22000, as well as Good Manufacturing and Hygiene Practices. It will also provide direct support for the implementation of quality management systems, mentorship programmes, and compliance readiness through sponsored audits.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry by scaling up the Open Day concept into a sustained platform for networking, problem-solving, and talent development. This approach is expected to create a pipeline of industry-ready graduates while enhancing innovation within the sector.
Participants at the event engaged in discussions on topical industry issues, shared experiences, and explored practical solutions to improve food safety standards and business competitiveness.
The Open Day targeted SMEs, particularly food processors and manufacturers in the northern regions, as well as final-year students in Food Science and Agriculture at UDS. It also attracted stakeholders including regulatory bodies, funding organizations, and development partners.
Expected outcomes of the initiative include an increase in the number of SMEs compliant with regulatory and international standards, improved work-readiness among graduates, and the development of a scalable model for industry-academia collaboration across Ghana.
Auba Consult Ltd emphasized its commitment to delivering locally grounded solutions with global standards, leveraging its network of professionals with extensive international experience. The company also highlighted its existing collaboration with UDS and engagement with the FDA as a strong foundation for achieving measurable and sustainable impact.
The event marks a significant step toward building a more resilient, competitive, and globally recognized food industry in Ghana.
Source: Zaaghana.com
